Assemblymember Berman presented AB 382 to the Senate Transportation Committee as a measure aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries in school zones by reducing the standard speed limit to 20 miles per hour. The bill’s effective date for statewide application is 2029, though local jurisdictions may adopt the lower limit earlier.

Supporters, including Streets for All, the Los Angeles County Office of Education and multiple cities, said research shows lower speeds reduce crash severity and make it safer for students to walk or bike to school. Mark Vuksevich, director of state policy at Streets for All, cited research and case examples in which lower speeds reduced fatal outcomes and argued that cities should be allowed to tailor signage — for example, using flashing beacons or “when children are present” standards — to local conditions.

AB 382’s nut graf: The bill sets a 20 mph baseline for school zones, aligns California with most other states that use 20 mph limits around schools, and gives local governments flexibility on when and how to apply the limit, with the aim of cutting pedestrian fatalities and severe injuries among school-aged children.

Committee members generally expressed support. One senator urged parents to slow down and emphasized that many school-zone crashes involve drivers who live locally and drop off children before hurriedly leaving; another moved the bill for consideration when a quorum was present.

Why it matters: Traffic collisions are a leading cause of death for school-aged children in California, witnesses said. AB 382 seeks to reduce crash speeds in school zones statewide while giving communities tools to increase compliance and tailor implementation.

What’s next: Committee members moved AB 382 to the next step when a quorum was available; final timing depends on committee schedules and any fiscal or technical amendments.